SINGAPORE - Motorists involved in traffic accidents will be able to better decide their next course of action by using an outcome simulator that will produce the likely scenarios of their liability.

The simulator - which is part of the State Courts' efforts to make processes more affordable, accessible and effective - will generate the possible outcomes using algorithms based on data parties provide and also on precedent cases and historical data.

The proposed initiative is part of the Online Dispute Resolution platform for motor accident claims announced on Friday (March 17) at the State Courts workplan seminar.

Dubbed the Online Simulator, it is slated to be ready in the first quarter of 2019.

The State Courts said that users will be guided through a question-and-answer format to arrive at possible liability outcomes in their cases.

It added in a statement: "Having been apprised of the likely outcomes, they will then be able to engage in more meaningful settlement discussions and be better placed to decide on the next course of action they should take."

Simulated outcomes will also be derived from data in the Electronic Motor Accident Guide and the third edition of the Practitioners' Library: Assessment of Damages - Personal Injuries and Fatal Accidents, both launched on Feb 22.

Speaking at the workplan, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said he was hopeful that in time to come, the ODR platform can be scaled up and adapted for use in a wider range of disputes and provide a virtual environment for parties to participate actively and constructively manage the progress of all their cases.

"This will reduce the need for physical facilities or face-to-face meetings," he added.

There will also be an online platform to recommend settlement amounts based on the information provided by users by end-2019. There will also be online mediation for more complex cases which parties are unable to resolve on their own.

A new Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS) will also pilot for one year from next month to offer assistance in medical expenses to those who suffered criminal assault and received no compensation from the offenders.

The scheme, which is run by the Community Justice Centre, applies to two kinds of offences: causing hurt and causing hurt with a dangerous weapon. The maximum claim is $1,000.

The Straits Times

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